Target mounting structure for use in camera tube

ABSTRACT

The structure presents an improved method of mounting targets, such as silicon targets, in camera tubes such as vidicons. The target is mounted in a supporting structure which is held in place between the end of the camera tube bulb and the faceplate of the tube by the seal which holds the faceplate to the bulb.

United States Patent [191 Ochs 1 1 TARGET MOUNTING STRUCTURE FOR USE IN CAMERA TUBE [75] Inventor: Stefan Albert Ochs, Lancaster, Pa. [731 Assignee: RCA Corporation. New York. NY.

[22] Filed: June 28. 1973 1211 Appl No.1 374,395

1521 US. Cl 313/383; 313/390 [51} Int. Cl." ..HO1J 29/02; HOlJ 31/08 158] Field of Search 313/65 AB, 65 A. 65 T,

I [561 References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1.151487 3/193) Knoll 313/66 X 311M586 12/1963 Antnniadesm 313/65 A X 3.437 H6() 4/1969 Ne} r 313/65 T 1451 Nov. 11, 1975 3619.685 11/1971 Miller et all 313/65 A 1725.711 4/1973 Sadlcr 313/66 3761.76] 9/1973 Henr et a1 .1 313/65 AB X 3.793.571 3/1974 Janssem 313/66 X 3.826943 7/1974 Kauumura et Lil. 313/2811 X Primary E.\urm'!1w'R0bert Sega! Attorney. Agent, or Firm-Glenn H. Bruestle; Robert J. Boivin [57] ABSTRACT The structure presents an improved method of mount ing targets such as silicon targets. in camera tubes such as vidiconsr The target is mounted in a support ing structure which is held in place between the end of the camera tube bulb and the faceplate of the tube by the seal which holds the faceplate to the bulb.

13 Claims. 5 Drawing Figures TARG ET hHfllllTlNG ETR JCTURE FOR USE IN CAlv'ihIt/t TUBE Background of the invention This invention relates to a structure for mounting targets in camera tubes. More particularly. it reiatcs to the mounting of silicon targets in vidieon tubes.

In conventional silicon vitlicoris, the silicon target is held in place by being sandwiched between the upper end of the tube mount assembly and the faceplate. It lies in a metal centering ring which is insulated from a mesh ring by means of Lt ceramic washer, and it is held in place by means of a spring compressed between the faceplate and the centering ring. This arrangement has the advantage of being simple to assemble since the various parts can be readily placed into position prior to attaching the faceplate to the tube bulb with an indium seal. Also, it permits the silicon target to be salvaged easily if the tube. is found to be defective.

The above urrangtrncitt has certain disadvantages. A ceramic washer with parallel end surfaces is required in order to precisely position the target assembly relative to the tube mount assembly. As inaccuracies in the control of the ltngih of the tube mount assembly cause variations in the distance of the silicon target from the faceplate, such inaccuracies cause degradation of the performance of the tube.

Summary of the Invention A target support structure for a camera tube is presented which comprises a supporting member which may be the end of the tube bulb. A support ring having at least one flange at its periphery rests upon the supporting member. The support ring has a substantially centralized aperture therein. A target is mounted in the support ring extending across the centralized aperture of the support ring.

Brief Description of the Drawings FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view of one embodiment of the present il'tvetttion.

FIG. 2 is atop plan view ofone embodiment of a target support. ring.

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of that section of the target support ring taken along line 3--3 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of still another embodiment of the present invention.

Detai ed Description Referring generally to Fifi. the preferred embodiment of the improved target mounting structure of the present. invention is shown mounted on one end 12 of a supporting member such a camera tube bulb 13. The lIt'lpttYvLLl target mounting structure 10 comprises a target support ring i i in the form of a dished washer which is set onto the end 12 of the bulb 13. A target, such as the silicon target 16 of the preferred embodiment, is fitted into the dished portion of the target support ring 1 The structure It further comprises a flat annular washer it; used to sandwich the target 16 in place in the target support ring 14-. Pressure is applied to the first washer if by a spring ring 20 which is compressed by the facepla e 7.2 of the camera tube. An indium seal 24 is used to hoid the faceplate 22 in position on the both I t target ing 26 surrounds the iridium seal 24 and is used as an electrode for making connec tions to the silicon target 16.

Referring generally to FIGS. 2 and 3 the construction of the preferred embodiment of the target support ring 14 can be more readily seen and understood. The target support ring 14 is generally in the shape of a dished washer comprising an annular member having at least one annular flange or a number of mounting tabs 28 located on the outer circumference of and extending radially outward from the ring 14. The support ring 14 further comprises an annular portion 30 which is sloped relative to the mounting tabs 28 and a substantially flat central portion 32 which is substantially parallel to the tabs 28. The central portion 32 has a central aperture 33 which is adapted to be fitted with a silicon target which rests on a ledge 34 shaped to receive the target. The purpose of the sloped portion 30 of the support ring 14 is to allow sufficient clearance between the faceplate 22 and the ledge 34 to receive the spring ring 20, the flat washer l8, and the silicon target 16, as shown in FIG. 1.

Referring generally to FIG. 1, the procedure for mounting a silicon target using the improved support structure 10 of the present invention will be explained. First, the target support ring 14 is set in place on the end 12 of the bulb 13. Next, the target 16 is placed on the ledge 34 of the support ring 14. The flat washer 18 and spring ring 20 are then placed respectively on top of the silicon target 16. An indium ring having a substantially semicircular cross section together with a target ring 26 is then placed on the end 12 of the bulb 13. The faceplate 22 is placed on top of the indium ring. Pressure is applied, and the faceplate 22 is pressed onto the indium ring so as to form the indium seal 24 having a T-shaped cross section, as shown. In the preferred embodiment 10, the support ring 14 is made out of a conductive material having a thickness of about 3 mils. The thickness of the seal 24 between the end 12 of the bulb l3 and the faceplate is about l5 mils. The indium seal 24 is also conductive.

Advantages of the improved target support structure 10 over the prior art are its simplicity of construction, its low cost, and the automatic proper positioning of the target 16 adjacent the faceplace 22. The support structure 10 is simple to construct and of low cost because it may be stamped out of sheet metal instead of requiring a machined ceramic washer. As the position ing of the target support structure 10 is based upon the placement of the target support structure 10 upon end 12 of the bulb 13 adjacent the faceplate 22, the target 16 is automatically positioned in close proximity with and parallel to the faceplate 22. Furthermore, the improved target support structure 10 readily permits the salvage of a target 16 from a reject tube.

Referring generally to FIG. 4, another embodiment of the target support structure of the present invention is generally designated as 40. The target mounting structure 40 also comprises a target support ring 44 in the form of a dished washer which is set onto the end 42 of the bulb 43. A silicon target 46 is fitted into the dished portion of the target support ring 44. The target mounting structure 40 further comprises a retaining member 48 which may also be in the form of a dished washer as shown in FIG. 4. The retaining member 48 is connected to the support ring 44, as by welding, thereby holding the silicon target 46 in place. As will be understood by one skilled in the art, the retaining member 48 may be replaced by a plurality of tabs which are similarly welded to the retaining ring 44. Other aspects of this embodiment 40 are similar in nature and purpose to the embodiment previously described.

Referring generally to FIG. 5, another embodiment of the target mounting structure of the present invention is generally designated as 50. The target mounting structure 50 comprises a flat target support ring 54 set onto the end 52 of a camera tube bulb S3. The substantially flat target support ring 54 has a central aperture 55 which exposes the silicon target 56 to light coming through the faceplate 58. The silicon target 56 is af fixed to the target support ring 54 by a retaining member 60 which is in the form ofa dished washer. The retaining member 60 is attached to the support ring 54 along the lip 62 adjacent the support ring 54 as by welding. As will be understood by one skilled in the art, the retaining member 60 can be replaced by a plurality of tabs having a similar cross sectional shape which would serve the same purpose as a single retaining member 60 having the form of a dished washer.

While the foregoing descriptions of the present invention have referred to cylindrical camera tubes, it should be understood by one skilled in the art that the present invention can be used in tubes having any desired configuration. but that the descriptions provided for the embodiments presented have been made to conform with the cylindrical tubes which are most readily available.

I claim:

1. A camera tube target support structure comprismg:

a. a bulb having an end portion with a central openb. a faceplate extending across said end portion and hermetically sealed thereto by means of a ring of conductive sealant material which is interposed between the end portion of said bulb and said faceplate;

c. a support ring having at least one flange at its outer periphery which is fixably seated against the end portion of said bulb by said ring of conductive sealant material, and a radially inwardly extending central portion with a substantially centralized aperture therein; said central portion including a substantially flat ledge surface displaced from and substantially parallel to a major facing surface of said faceplate; said inwardly extending central portion including a sloped centering portion protruding within the central opening of the end portion of said bulb;

d. a target seated against said ledge surface and extending across said centralized aperture in said support ring; and

e. means interposed between said faceplate and said support ring for retaining said target firmly seated against said ledge surface of said support ring.

2. The target support structure of claim 1. wherein said ring of conductive sealant material comprises a ring of indium material.

3. The target support structure of claim 2, wherein said means comprises a spring compressed between said target and said faceplate.

4. The target support structure of claim 3, further including a washer sandwiched between said spring and said target.

S. The target support structure of claim I, wherein said flange is comprised of a plurality of mounting tabs extending radially outward from said support ring.

6. A camera tube target support structure comprising:

a. a bulb having an end portion with a central opening;

b. a faceplate extending across said end portion and hermetically sealed thereto by means of a ring of conductive sealant material which is interposed between the end portion of said bulb and said faccplate;

c. a support ring having at least one flange at its outer periphery which is fixably seated against the end portion of said bulb by said ring of conductive scalant material. and a radially inwardly extending cen tral portion with a substantially centralized aperture therein; said central portion including a substantially flat ledge surface displaced from and substantially parallel to a major facing surface of said faceplate; said inwardly extending central portion including a sloped centering portion protruding within the central opening of the end portion of said bulb; and

d. a target seated against said ledge surface and extending across said centralized aperture in said support ring, said support ring including inwardly extending means for retaining said target firmly seated against said ledge surface of said support ring.

7. The target support structure of claim 6, wherein said ring of conductive sealant material comprises a ring of indium material.

8. The target support structure of claim 7, wherein said means comprises a retaining ring affixed to said support ring.

9. The target support structure of claim 6, wherein said flange is comprised of a plurality of mounting tabs extending radially outward from said support ring.

10. A camera tube target support structure comprising:

a. a bulb having an end portion with a central opening;

b. a faceplate extending across said end portion and hermetically sealed thereto by means of a ring of conductive sealant material which is interposed between the end portion of said bulb and said faceplate;

c. a support ring having at least one flange at its outer periphery which is fixably seated against the end portion of said bulb by said ring of conductive sealant material, and a radially inwardly extending central portion with a substantially centralized aperture therein; said central portion including a substantially flat ledge surface displaced from and substantially parallel to a major facing surface of said faceplate;

d. a target seated against said ledge surface and extending across said centralized aperture in said support ring; and

e. a target retaining ring retaining said target firmly seated against said ledge surface of said support ring and including a sloped centering portion protruding within the central opening of the end portion of said bulb.

I l. The target support structure of claim 10, wherein said ring of conductive sealant material comprises a ring oi indium material.

[2. The turgct support structure of claim 11, wherein ring.

13. The target support structure ofclaim 10, wherein said flange is comprised of a plurality of mounting tabs said support ring comprises a substantially flat member 5 extending radially Outward from Said Support ring 

1. A camera tube target support structure comprising: a. a bulb having an end portion with a central opening; b. a faceplate extending across said end portion and hermetically sealed thereto by means of a ring of conductive sealant material which is interposed between the end portion of said bulb and said faceplate; c. a support ring having at least one flange at its outer periphery which is fixably seated against the end portion of said bulb by said ring of conductive sealant material, and a radially inwardly extending central portion with a substantially centralized aperture therein; said central portion including a substantially flat ledge surface displaced from and substantially parallel to a major facing surface of said faceplate; said inwardly extending central portion including a sloped centering portion protruding within the central opening of the end portion of said bulb; d. a target seated against said ledge surface and extending across said centralized aperture in said support ring; and e. means interposed between said faceplate and said support ring for retaining said target firmly seated against said ledge surface of said support ring.
 2. The target support structure of claim 1, wherein said ring of conductive sealant material comprises a ring of indium material.
 3. The target support structure of claim 2, wherein said means comprises a spring compressed between said target and said faceplate.
 4. The target support structure of claim 3, further including a washer sandwiched between said spring and said target.
 5. The target support structure of claim 1, wherein said flange is comprised of a plurality of mounting tabs extending radially outward from said support ring.
 6. A camera tube target support structure comprising: a. a bulb having an end portion with a central opening; b. a faceplate extending across said end portion and hermetically sealed thereto by means of a ring of conductive sealant material which is interposed between the end portion of said bulb and said faceplate; c. a support ring having at least one flange at its outer periphery which is fixably seated against the end portion of said bulb by said ring of conductive sealant material, and a radially inwardly extending central portion with a substantially centralized aperture therein; said central portion including a substantially flat ledge surface displaced from and substantially parallel to a major facing surface of said faceplate; said inwardly extending central portion including a sloped centering portion protruding within the central opening of the end portion of said bulb; and d. a target seated against said ledge surface and extending across said centralized aperture in said support ring, sAid support ring including inwardly extending means for retaining said target firmly seated against said ledge surface of said support ring.
 7. The target support structure of claim 6, wherein said ring of conductive sealant material comprises a ring of indium material.
 8. The target support structure of claim 7, wherein said means comprises a retaining ring affixed to said support ring.
 9. The target support structure of claim 6, wherein said flange is comprised of a plurality of mounting tabs extending radially outward from said support ring.
 10. A camera tube target support structure comprising: a. a bulb having an end portion with a central opening; b. a faceplate extending across said end portion and hermetically sealed thereto by means of a ring of conductive sealant material which is interposed between the end portion of said bulb and said faceplate; c. a support ring having at least one flange at its outer periphery which is fixably seated against the end portion of said bulb by said ring of conductive sealant material, and a radially inwardly extending central portion with a substantially centralized aperture therein; said central portion including a substantially flat ledge surface displaced from and substantially parallel to a major facing surface of said faceplate; d. a target seated against said ledge surface and extending across said centralized aperture in said support ring; and e. a target retaining ring retaining said target firmly seated against said ledge surface of said support ring and including a sloped centering portion protruding within the central opening of the end portion of said bulb.
 11. The target support structure of claim 10, wherein said ring of conductive sealant material comprises a ring of indium material.
 12. The target support structure of claim 11, wherein said support ring comprises a substantially flat member and said target retaining ring is affixed to said support ring.
 13. The target support structure of claim 10, wherein said flange is comprised of a plurality of mounting tabs extending radially outward from said support ring. 